Central to Tom’s character is his age. Twain deliberately did not specify his age. For many readers, Tom’s age fluctuates from scene to scene. Most readers like to view Tom’s age as approaching puberty–around eleven or twelve years old. If he were younger, he would not be so interested in […]
Read more Character Analysis Tom SawyerSummary and Analysis Chapter 35
Judge Thatcher “has conceived a great opinion of Tom” for getting Becky out of the cave. Thus when Becky tells her father about Tom’s taking the blame for Becky’s misconduct and taking her punishment, the judge claims that “it was a noble, generous, a magnanimous lie.” Huck Finn finds wealth […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapter 35Summary and Analysis Chapters 33-34
Although Tom feels sorry for Injun Joe’s suffering, he also feels a great sense of relief and freedom from the fear that he has felt since Injun Joe escaped from the trial in which Tom testified against him. Injun Joe’s funeral is a festive occasion: People from all the neighboring […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapters 33-34Summary and Analysis Chapters 31-32
They begin to wander again, hoping to find a familiar landmark. Tom takes Becky’s candle and blows it out to conserve that source of light. After a while, Becky has to sit down, and she falls asleep. When she awakens, she and Tom stumble on until they find a spring: […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapters 31-32Summary and Analysis Chapters 29-30
Invitations are sent out, and everyone gathers the next morning for the chartered ferryboat. Mrs. Thatcher decides that, because it will be late, Becky should stay with a friend near the ferry landing. Tom talks Becky into joining him for ice cream at the Widow Douglas’ house after the ride, […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapters 29-30Summary and Analysis Chapters 27-28
On a dark night, Huck stands guard while Tom tries the Temperance Tavern door. Suddenly, Tom comes running down the alley, calling to Huck to follow him. They take refuge in a slaughterhouse just as a tremendous rainstorm begins. Tom explains his fear: The keys wouldn’t work, but the door […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapters 27-28Summary and Analysis Chapters 25-26
The boys hike into the forest, and after digging several holes and finding no treasure, they decide that they must wait until midnight. They hide their tools and plan to meet at midnight [a bewitching hour] and dig under a special tree behind Widow Douglas’ house. They meet at the […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapters 25-26Summary and Analysis Chapters 23-24
Tom and Huck discuss the rumors going about town and how it is obvious that Muff Potter will be convicted and executed. Then they remember certain little favors that Muff had performed for them and agree that Muff is basically a harmless drunk who has never done anyone any mischief; […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapters 23-24Summary and Analysis Chapter 22
Then Tom has the measles for two weeks. He is better for a short time and then has a relapse that lasts three weeks. Between the two bouts with measles, all his friends get religion–even “Huck quoted some scripture!”–but by the end of the second bout, all is normal again. […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapter 22Summary and Analysis Chapter 21
The night set aside for a display of learning arrives, and the school hall is lavishly decorated. Everyone in the town is present. The little folk recite their pieces with great difficulty, pleased only to get it over. The highlight of the night is the reading of original compositions by […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapter 21